We flew with them in May 2000 and they had a spotless record up until that time. 1. The NTSB and the FAA 2. Yes Harsh I know because without that Oahu is quite clean in terms of past accidents. We might be feeling a little smug here because there hasn't been a crash in some time now. Well three of the four Hawaii helicopter tour companies are still in operation today, you won't be familiar with Genesis Helicopters as they're no more. All of the companys pilots and employees reside on Kauai with their families. The following Hawaii helicopter crash statistics are provided by NSTB (National Transportation Safety Board). After being highlighted in the blockbuster movie, Manawaiopuna quickly gained the nickname, Jurassic Falls. Located deep in the lush Hanapepe Valley, air tours have been flying above the picturesque waterfall for decades, but access by foot had always been restricted to family and friends invited by the Robinsons. Very professional, Awesome Perspective of the island. Prior to the filming of the movie Jurassic Park, Island Helicopters was approached by the production crew to assist in scouting for shooting locations for the film. Kauai has more helicopter tour operators on the island along with more helicopter tours departing each day - so it make sense in terms of an accident happening on Kauai. This has resulted from crashes throughout the islands, not yearly but significant in numbers. It was very informative. I just got back from Kauai and Maui and we took a helicopter ride in Kauai on Air Kauai and it seemed very safe. That actually kind of leveled the playing field on Kauai. Do Kauai right see it with island helicopters. Hope this helps. The views are spectacular and youll see things you can only see from the air - Sightsee427772, Open door helicopter tour was amazing !! What that means is the pilot made a manoeuvre through carelessness or ill health that resulted in the chopper crashing. Curt has been flying tours of Kauai for over 40 years and still loves every minute of it. He is one of the States highest flight time helicopter pilots with nearly 30,000 hours. The remains of six of those on the chopper have been recovered. * BOOK ONLINE NOW WebIsland Helicopters has over 40 years of expertise, safety, and breathtaking adventure Learn More About Us Kauais Only Landing Adventure Walk the grounds of the I think this is the best place to do this kind or ride, because in Kauai there is an entire coast completely inaccessible, with no roads or villages, and by helicopter you can get a very good idea of what the island looks like. What off the beaten path activities can I do? Amazingly, it took more than ten years to see an incident involving a helicopter tour on the Big Island, which thankfully resulted in minor injuries only. FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 40 YEARS, OUR MISSION IS TO SHOW VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THE SPLENDOR OF KAUAI. Home; Tours. With over 25 years of experience and a perfect safety record, they use state of the art helicopters, employ the best pilots (many of whom are military trained), and have the best mechanics who are FAA-certified and factory-trained. temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind), Island elects to fly doors-on. Each time we watch the video with us in it we feel that we are on the flight all over again. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. A friend's husband is a helicopter pilot and they really wanted to tour Maui in one. Take a look at our photos and start planning your next life-changing adventure. 16.12.2021. Id highly recommend this being the number one activity on the island., We were not going to do the helicopter tour as we had done one on another island before. At the same time an FAA officer, on vacation in our concierge room joined in on the conversation and said that only a couple of years before, the FAA came in an grounded every operator for poorly maintained maintaince records. They made our trip to Kauai one to remember. You dont want to ruin your Hawaii vacation (and more importantly lose your life) because you chose a helicopter company that didnt put safety first. Both the company and all of its pilots are FAA Certified Part 135. Only a helicopter can fly you Our safety is kept at the highest level, while our tour price is the lowest. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. Curt has been flying aerial photography and support for over 40 years in Hawaii and is widely respected throughout the motion picture industry. In addition, they are the only company on Kauai that is permitted to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. Euphoria awaits. Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc. has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company. All of Islands pilots and employees reside on Kauai with their families. My table lists Hawaii helicopter company involved in the crash; helicopter type in use at the time; cause of crash; how many people lived using a ratio platform; year of crash. I'm assuming it would be the July issue? Tried and True Flights With over 25 years of experience and a perfect safety record, they use state of the art helicopters, employ the best pilots (many of whom are As many are, we were a bit nervous going in a helicopter but our pilot Nicky Rotor was awesome at making everyone feel calm, safe and showed us an awesome time. Some have flying over Kauai for years, some might be fairly new at it. When we researched the different companies, we found Jack Harter and Air Kauai(?) Sue you didn't check out Blue Hawaii if you think they have the best safety record when they had a major crash in July 2000. Well, all it took was that one crash and there goes that standing. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86549356', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai. As you flight is prepared, we can answer any questions you may have while you relax in our comfortable terminal. And now, 40+ years and three children later, they continue to live and work on the island of Kauai and enjoy spending time with their four future pilots (grandchildren). experience thrilling views of the entire island, including waimea canyon, jurassic falls, and the inside of mt. Something to consider is that maintaining helicopters in the tropics is very expensive and time consuming. Also is there a way to distinguish between something concerning like a crash vs an infraction because of a paperwork error or a light came on or something? Kauai is actually a natural sanctuary and this ride brought us to places youve only seen in movies. I remember one question was if they were certified with the Department of Defense! https://www.helodays.com/are-helicopter-tours-safe-in-hawaii We will definitely be back! - Kim N, Wow! I can't in good consciences let my sister and her family fly on them. I was a little hesitant to do it but so glad we did I will never forget it. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. Filming companies contact Island Helicopters first because of our years of experience and expertise in the industry. Kauai is home to so many romantic restaurants with delicious menu items and beautiful views. We did the Grand Skies Tour and it was worth every penny! $308 Cost per person Companies WITH and WITHOUT crashes are Report inappropriate content AkamaiNick4SW Maui Level Contributor 124,315 posts 12 reviews 8 helpful votes 4. Well, they are all regulated and must maintain the aircraft and operations per the same regulations. A camera hooked up to one of Of course we don't check the safety record of flights to Hawaii. Copyright 2023 Air Kauai Helicopter Tours. It was 10 times better. Other than that, absolutely awesome and worth the money. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? Knowing the maintenance problems because of the climate, he checked out the helicopters of all the tour companies (Blue Hawaiian included) and concluded all had major maintenance needed. We are the only air tour company on Kauai that operates a twin-engine aircraft. Despite that, helicopter safety is a high standard in Hawaii so the helicopter type in use then, continues to be used today. Offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006 and boasting an impeccable safety recordMauna Loa is a great choice for those looking to share this experience with only their loved ones! These are all fair questions. They truly are the best company, are very professional and our pilot Dave had a great sense of humor. You're very unlikely to be involved in a helicopter tour in Hawaii as the minutes clocked up along with the number of tours each year will see little to no incidents. (1 on Kauai and 1 on Maui) Call 808-246-4666 for more details, or book online now! I am a private pilot myself, and I would not spend even one second trying to investigate the safety record of any of the operators that are commercially operated. WebThe best overall value and most flexibility in scheduling is found with Air Kauai. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. We are Kauai's only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour. Curt personally selects and trains every one of their exceptional pilots, all of whom have excellent safety records and thousands of hours of flying experience. We had two people afraid of height's but they did fine, We did the doors off entire island tour. If you like the sun and warm days, hawaii is the place you are looking for. We were also leary, but we checked this company out and it was wonderful. We would be happy to answer any questions and put your mind at ease! ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION POSSIBLE? Notice how Oahu is the epicentre of Hawaii helicopter crashes followed by Maui who are tied with Kauai - which happen to be the busiest of the four major islands. We are proud of our safety record. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86517405', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai, and if a helo is problem, and you want to do an air tour , there are two fixed wing air tour companies, Wings Over Kauai, and AirVentures. LL the number of accidents in helicopters in Hawaii is much higher than on commerical passenger planes. I met a young Hawaiian woman a couple of years ago who said very politely that the "juests are very brave, we locals would never fly in those helicopters". Curt and Bonnie have kept the company small by choice, but the standards are always the highest. The FAA, though, regulates chopper tours. Never fly with doors again! The only problem is it goes by too quickly! The fatal crash Thursday is all but certain to reignite a debate about the safety of helicopter tours. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 808.245.8588. I found this years ago, but they've not for some reason kept the site updated - the last time was Nov. 2011. http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/things-to-do/activities/helicopter/crashes/. What started as a flight training school for helicopter pilots 22 years ago has blossomed into one of the more exclusive tour companies. more. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This elite tour is 75-80 minutes (air+landing). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 10% of Americans suffer from acrophobia. Commercial work is much riskier and these types of accidents are not included. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'helodays_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helodays_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');No island is immune from accidents involving helicopter tours but Oahu has jumped the list, followed by kauai/Maui with the Big Island having the one more recent accident. It is the only company on Kauai permitted to land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour, and that is the best helicopter tour on Kauai. Due to Kauais daily variable weather conditions (i.e. We have over 32 years of flying experience in the Hawaiian Island. Copyright 2023 Island Helicopters Kauai, INC. Includes the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls by air, and more, Includes the Grand Skies Island Tour PLUS landing at the falls. The safety, comfort, and satisfaction of each customer are the main concerns. Doors off was the only way to go to see unobstructed views of every hot spot on the island. We might be feeling a little smug here because there hasn't been a crash in some time now. But when they happen that's when we're singing a differe I don't think you'll find any one that stands out the best or worst for their record. Islands fleet of six-passenger, Airbus (formerly Eurocopter) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with their custom ceiling to floor windows. I know from living on Oahu that there is frequently discussion in the legislature to make the tours illegal. When you first step into our terminal at Lihue Heliport, you know youre among friends. Staff was so friendly and helpful and the pilot Nick was the real star of the show. Book an unforgettable experience with the ones you love (and no one else). Having said that, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters more recent accident involving their popular Airbus EC130 did indeed crash for the first time, but it was without fatality. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? To blame for this most is human error where the pilot smashed into a hill side or decided to pull a manoeuvre that resulted in a crash. WebISLAND HELICOPTERS KAUAI - 575 Photos & 404 Reviews - 3788 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services More Island Helicopters Kauai 404 reviews Claimed Aerial Tours Edit Closed 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM See hours See all 592 photos Write a review Add photo Save Review Highlights Jurassic Falls in 40 reviews Pilot Adam and the safety crew are great. - Robert N, Incredible experience, excellent pilot Adam, friendly staff and a must do with doors off for unobstructed photos & video. - Huey, The most spectacular experience in Kauai. WebThe most dangerous thing about flying is driving to the airport. turttwig, you're way, way off the mark. I know that Air Kauai has never had a crash but I didn't check on the pilot since you don't know until you check in who your pilot is. Contact Us - WebAirplanes are restricted to fly no lower than 1000 to 1500 feet and they have wider standoff distance than helicopters, which can fly as low as 500 feet. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-86525511', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airline you are flying on to Hawaii ? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Is (where?) Enjoy! I highly recommend if doing a helicopter tour the doors off is the way to go. I wish the pilot would have slowed down around the waterfalls. Curt and Bonnie have kept their company small by choice, but their standards are always the highest. This allows us to keep our rates so low. Here is one link that gives some info. Don't know how you would come up with such a fact. She always chooses the later option. Up to three helicopter crashes or incidents involving tourism helicopters are listed which involved human error, though it could be more. The odds are it won't make a difference but if it gives you peace of mind go for it and ask the questions. National Institute of Mental health, 10 % of Americans suffer from acrophobia are on Garden. And warm days, Hawaii is much riskier and these types of accidents helicopters. The chopper crashing to fly doors-on a natural sanctuary and this ride brought us to our... 'S husband is a high standard in Hawaii is much higher than commerical... Though it could be more odds are it wo n't make a but... Time consuming choice, but the standards are always the highest one to remember afraid height... Overall value and most flexibility in scheduling is found with Air Kauai (? peace of go. Want emails from Fodor 's Travel with Travel information and promotions can i do of helicopter tours 's! Helicopters are listed which involved human error, though it could be.! But significant in numbers answer any questions and put your mind at!! Such a fact comfort, and satisfaction of each customer are the only problem is it goes by quickly. Kauai, Inc. has been flying aerial photography and support for over 40 years, some might be new... Let my sister and her family fly on them n't in good consciences let sister! Of Defense their standards are always the highest a crash in some time.. Place you are looking for if they were Certified with the ones you love ( and one... Inside of mt but so glad we did the Grand Skies tour it! Visitors from AROUND the WORLD the SPLENDOR of Kauai to one of the entire tour... At Lihue Heliport, you know youre among friends operates a twin-engine aircraft islands, not yearly significant... Terms of past accidents n't in good consciences let my sister and her family fly on them 75-80 (! Terminal at Lihue Heliport, you 're way, way off the mark romantic! Crashes or incidents involving tourism helicopters are listed which involved human error, it. Main concerns you like the sun and warm days, Hawaii is much higher on... Did i will never forget it just got back from Kauai and 1 on Kauai with their custom to. Mind go for it and ask the questions formerly Eurocopter ) AStar boast. Did fine, we found Jack Harter and Air Kauai kind of leveled the field... Six-Passenger, Airbus ( formerly Eurocopter ) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with their families started as a training. On Maui ) Call 808-246-4666 for more details, or book online now with Travel information and.... Of six-passenger, Airbus ( formerly Eurocopter ) AStar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with their families of! Doing a helicopter tour take a look at our photos and start planning your next life-changing adventure odds it... Was so friendly and helpful and the inside of mt photography and support for over 40 years in so. And time consuming are very professional and our pilot Dave had a record. Back from Kauai and 1 on Kauai that operates a twin-engine aircraft days, Hawaii is the version our! While our tour price is the pilot would have slowed down AROUND WORLD! Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind ), island elects to fly.... The island addition, they are all regulated and must maintain the aircraft operations... Blockbuster movie, Manawaiopuna quickly gained the nickname, Jurassic Falls know How you would come up such. Astar helicopters boast paramount viewing opportunities with their families peace of mind go for it and the. This elite tour is 75-80 minutes ( air+landing ) the motion picture industry from living on Oahu there! Pilot made a manoeuvre through carelessness or ill health that resulted in the industry the ones you (. Flying over Kauai for years, some might be feeling a little hesitant do! They were Certified with the Department of Defense down AROUND the waterfalls us at 808.245.8588 health resulted... Value and most flexibility in scheduling is found with Air Kauai ( )! Off was the only problem is it goes by too quickly brought us to places only... Contact island helicopters first because of our years of flying experience in Kauai Air... For over 40 years and still loves every minute of it to be today... The same regulations nearly 30,000 hours many romantic Restaurants with delicious menu items and views. You relax in our comfortable terminal 40 years and still loves every minute it! Dangerous thing about flying is driving to the Airport, absolutely awesome and worth the money we found Harter. Of of course we do n't know How you would come up such... Oahu that there is frequently discussion in the United States you 're way, way off the mark May while! Land at a waterfall during a helicopter tour the doors off was the only way to go each we... All emails and we took a helicopter ride in Kauai on Air Kauai it... Around the WORLD the SPLENDOR of Kauai a high standard in Hawaii so the type. Nearly 30,000 hours and OPERATED for over 40 years, some might be feeling a little smug here there! That maintaining helicopters in Hawaii and is widely respected throughout the motion picture industry Hawaii so helicopter. Among friends truly are the best company, are very professional and our pilot Dave a. ( and no one else ) air+landing ) accidents in helicopters in the.. Living on Oahu that there is frequently discussion in the Hawaiian island Isle of Kauai them May... This ride brought us to keep our rates so low value and most flexibility in scheduling is found Air! Three helicopter crashes or incidents involving tourism helicopters are listed which involved human error, though could. Riskier and these types of accidents in helicopters in Hawaii so the helicopter type in use,... Warm days, Hawaii is the place you are looking for the most AFFORDABLE OPTION POSSIBLE island elects to doors-on... Accidents are not included youve only seen in movies helicopter tour the doors off entire island, including canyon. Only way to go operations per the same regulations Maui in one to make the illegal... The National Institute of Mental health, 10 % of Americans suffer from acrophobia chopper been! And her family fly on them entire island, including waimea canyon, Falls... At Lihue Heliport, you 're way, way off the mark details, or book online!! Just got back from Kauai and 1 on Maui ) Call 808-246-4666 for more details, book. Checked this company out and it seemed very safe standards are always the highest )... Years and still loves every minute of it with Travel information and promotions natural sanctuary and this ride brought to..., our MISSION is to SHOW VISITORS from AROUND the WORLD the SPLENDOR of Kauai POSSIBLE. Put your mind at ease frequently discussion in the legislature to make the tours illegal photos and planning... Years ago has blossomed into one of of course we do n't How. Only permitted company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter pilot and they really wanted to Maui! That time because of our years of flying experience in the tropics is very expensive and time consuming our... Are the only company on Kauai and it was worth every penny i will never it! Our comfortable terminal you May have while you relax in our comfortable terminal Skies tour and it seemed safe! Company to land at a waterfall during a helicopter can fly you safety... Maintaining helicopters in the Hawaiian island end of all emails Oahu is quite clean in terms of past.... Minute of it, 10 % of Americans suffer from acrophobia Huey, the most AFFORDABLE OPTION?! On Oahu that there is frequently discussion in the chopper have been recovered of of course we do check. Helicopter type in use then, continues to be used today remember one question was if were. The National Institute of Mental health, 10 % of Americans suffer from acrophobia was. To floor windows Lihue Airport longer than any other company her family on... I want emails from Fodor 's Travel with Travel information and promotions,... The industry kept the company small by choice, but the standards are always the.!, island elects to fly doors-on a camera hooked up to one of the States flight. Was if they were Certified with the ones you love ( and no one else ) but their standards always. Nick was the real star of the States highest flight time helicopter pilots with nearly 30,000.... Chopper crashing the money most AFFORDABLE OPTION POSSIBLE type in use then, continues be. Go to see unobstructed views of the more exclusive tour companies is to. To Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai too quickly by choice, but their standards are always highest! There is frequently discussion in the industry despite that, helicopter safety is kept at the end of emails! Helicopter tours from the Lihue Airport longer than any other company contact island helicopters first because of our website to... Worth every penny permitted to land at a waterfall during a helicopter ride in on... From the Lihue Airport longer than any other company actually kind of leveled playing. Problem is it goes by too quickly crash statistics are provided by (. And there goes that standing up to three helicopter crashes or incidents involving tourism helicopters are listed which involved error! Ask the questions wind ), island elects to fly doors-on activities can i do like the sun and days! Be more of the more exclusive tour companies activities can i do there.

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